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English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is a state funded instructional program for eligible English Language Learners (ELLs) in grades K-12 (Georgia School Law Section 20-2-156 Code 1981, Sec. 20-2-156, enacted in 1985).

Title III is a federally funded program. It provides eligible Local Education Agencies (LEAs) subgrants to provide supplemental services for ELLs. Both ESOL and Title III hold students accountable for progress in English language proficiency and evidence of attainment to the exit level.

The ESOL Program is transitioning from a discrete skills curriculum to a standards-based curriculum emphasizing language proficiency. The program’s overarching standard is that students will use English to communicate and demonstrate academic, social, and cultural understanding. To reach this standard, it is critical that instructional approaches, both in ESOL and general education classes accommodate the needs of Georgia’s linguistically and culturally diverse student and parent populations.

To the extent practicable, it is appropriate to use the home language as a means of facilitating instruction for English language learners and communication with their parents.

Tift County ESOL Mission Statement

Tift County strives to meet the needs of ELL students by providing:

Support to students most in need of assistance, with the youngest students as the lowest priority with the understanding that they are placed in language/literature rich environments

Professional Learning for classroom teachers

ESOL programs in schools where the greatest needs are identified

Resources and materials to support students in various subject areas

Life skills and survival skills

Instruction that meets the individual needs of the ELL (English Language Learner) student

Tift County Goal for ELL students

To give students the skills they need to function and reach their own potential as members of an English speaking society. Parent involvement and opportunities for parents to learn are encouraged. Whenever possible, notes and messages are sent home in the parents’ native language.

English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program Plan/Policy Rationale

An ESOL program plan/policy is designed to provide consistent and non-discriminatory procedures throughout each local school district as recommended by the United States Department of Education Office of Civil Rights. Districts are mandated by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to provide an alternative program of service when there are students who are limited English proficient (LEP) and are unable to participate effectively in the district's regular instructional program.

ESOL Program Description

The English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program is offered to all (ELL) English Language Learners who meet the testing eligibility criteria. This program aids in the success of a limited English proficient student in an English-speaking classroom. Our goal is to have students succeed in all four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) both socially and academically. We also want them to understand and function successfully in our American culture. Immersion in an English-speaking environment with guidance from the ESOL teacher and accommodations provided by all other school personnel will produce the results necessary. The ESOL teacher shall have the ESOL endorsement issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GAPSC), and the ESOL class is limited to the maximum size specified in State Board of Education Rule 160-5-1-.08 Class Size.